In 1297, Philip IV of France had concluded a peace treaty with Edward I of England, who needed his forces to fight against the Scots. France imposed direct rule
over Flanders and imprisoned important Flemish nobles who might cause dissent, notably Guy van Dampierre, Count of Flanders, who had tried to ally himself with the English king. The French invaded and defeated the Flemish nobles at the Battle of Bulskamp (1297) due to betrayal. Most of the Flemish nobility were ransomed, but several high nobles were executed, fuelling further Flemish hatred. Pope Boniface VIII proposed a truce, which lasted until 1300. Incidentally, this gave time for the Flemish state to arm and train.
The county found itself divided between the Leliaards, nobles loyal to the French crown, and the Liebaards, tradesmen loyal to the Flemish nobles. In 1300, the French invaded again and, despite a few
